Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D. has been named the next President/CEO of United Way of the Mid-South. Robinson begins leading the organization February 1, 2015. (You can read The Commercial Appeal’s report on the announcement here. A subscription may be required.)

Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson M.D

Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson M.D

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity with United Way of the Mid-South. More than ever, United Way and its unparalleled network of partners are pivotal to improving the quality of life of men, women, children and families in our area. It is most evident to me that our new, strategic work together to meaningfully advance education, financial stability and health is extraordinarily timely and relevant.  I sincerely look forward to collaborating with all those who will join us in making a difference for our common good,” Robinson said.

Robinson, pastor of St. Andrew AME Church in Memphis, has a long history of serving our community as a leader at the highest levels of influence and impact. He also has a long history of serving as a volunteer leader with United Way. He is a past Tennessee Commissioner of Health (2003-2007) and has served as Health Program and Policy Consultant and County Health Officer to the Mayor of Shelby County since 2008. Robinson is a long-time civic leader and past Board member of our local United Way where he played a key role in leading fund distribution and community impact efforts.

“I am absolutely delighted that Dr. Kenneth Robinson has accepted the position of President & CEO of the United Way of the Mid-South. A search committee, comprised of present and past board members, as well as leaders representing donors, agencies and communities served by United Way, conducted a national search in the selection process. Dr. Robinson brings to this position 23 years of experience with United Way at multiple levels, along with a stellar background as a leader in the fields of medicine, health policy and planning, education, business, faith-based initiatives, government, fund development, and urban revitalization.  Moreover, Dr. Robinson has a proven record of success in building and sustaining relationships and programs that are making a significant impact within numerous sectors of our community. He is highly respected nationally and locally for being an accomplished and devoted public servant,” said Shannon Brown, Chairman of the Board for United Way.

Robinson’s leadership gained the attention of United Way of America (now United Way Worldwide) in the 1990s and the organization awarded him its Community Builder of the Year award in 2000. The award recognized his local volunteer work with United Way and his work in our South Memphis community through St. Andrew AME Church and its numerous health and human service programs.

Robinson’s previous volunteer service with United Way included providing guidance and wisdom gained from his bi-professional background as both physician and pastor, serving first as a community volunteer and then 12 years as a local Board member where he also served as volunteer Chairman for United Way’s Community Initiatives department. He is also the Founder of The Works, a very effective nonprofit that partners with United Way to impact lives in the Memphis area. He has always been a champion in keeping United Way’s profile in a strong place of prominence in our community.

Robinson holds a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Harvard University (1975); the Doctor of Medicine degree from Harvard Medical School (1979); and a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School (1986), where his Honors Thesis focused on the interrelationship between religious faith and healing.